European holidaymakers still in love with Spain

FOR most Europeans, Spain is still top of the list when making summer holiday plans, finds a study by YouGov.
Despite decades of packing bags and heading for the Costas, it seems familiarity has not bred contempt. Far from it, in fact – when pollsters asked 7,562 people in seven different European countries where they would spend their summer holidays, Spain was first choice amongst those staying in Europe.
In the UK, a quarter of holidaymakers were heading for Spain, just behind the French of whom 28 per cent would travel here, likewise 18 per cent of Italians, 17 per cent of Germans, 16 per cent of Swedes, and from the Netherlands, 15 per cent.
And then there are the Spanish themselves, most of whom will holiday in their own country. In fact, one in ten Spaniards has never taken a holiday abroad.
For interviewees in the UK, the Canary Islands, Balearics and Andalucia were the favourite destinations, and sun-starved Brits also gave guaranteed good weather as the main factor in the decision.
The French prefer not to travel too far from their home country, and most choose Cataluña for their break.
From the Institute for Quality Tourism in Spain, Miguel Mirones said Spain had not lost its mystique since first emerging in the holiday market. “Europeans still view Spain as a very different destination from the rest of Europe,” he said, “as a place with a particular lifestyle.”